C section or normal birth

Giving birth normally a 2nd time fills me with dread as my 1st was traumatic. I opted for a c section this time but was nervous about then having to look after a 3 year old and a newborn feeling sore. Section has positives, ie I can arrange childcare for toddler, can plan but what if recovery is hard. Saying that 1st birth was 30 hours long, forceps used, placenta got stuck, lost blood. Plus what do you do with toddler if you go into labour and nobody there to look after them? x

Show your support

I totally get this dread. My first birth was really traumatic and I knew I didn't want a birth like that the 2nd time around. Someone recommended hypnobirthing to me and it was an absolute game (and life) changer.

I don't have any experience with c section however with my first I was in labour for 48 hours with forceps. Then with my second, little man came so quick I didn't make it to hospital, gave birth on my mums landing with my then 3 year old next to me!... Your second birth might be different to your first! I was terrified about my 2nd birth too, I hope your okay hun!x

I don’t have c section experience however my first labour was induced, 27 hours long and I had an episiotomy with so much pain and discomfort afterwards . My second labour was 3 hours long with no tears or anything and literally no pain or discomfort after plus baby no 2 was 9lbs 2oz so over 1lbs bigger than my first. Every labour is so different plus your body has already done it before so it should be much more straightforward and quicker next time round. Also regarding childcare - we didnt necessarily plan as such but my parents knew to expect a call at any point day or night. My mums work were aware she might need to take emergency leave to look after my toddler and my parents knew they might get a call in the middle of the night

@Laura Thank you xxx

@Sophie Thank you xx

@Franki thank u xxx

I tore bad my first time and had no epidural. Then I had an emergency C-section. I would NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS OPT FOR A C SECTION UNLESS I HAD TO. IT WRECKED MY SHIT.

@Tiffany Oh wow really???

I was induced, had failed forceps and then emergency c section. I think it was 36 hours in total. What I really wanted was a water birth. I’m not sure what I’d recommend as c section really takes some getting over and it’s made a mess of my stomach. If I was doing it again I would take advice from my doctor but preference would probably be natural (not induced) or failing that planned c section.

You could look at a doula, emergency child care cover to help look after your other child. Failing that, do you have any friends that would be on call?

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌